Potential applications of biological filtration media in changing water properties and subsequent effects on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in recirculating aquaculture systems

• Main Authors: Hassan, Sadam Mohamad, Muhaimeed, Ahmed Ramadhan, Abedalhammed, Hazem Sabri, Madlul, Najlaa Salah, Aun, Tan Tiek
• Format: Article
• Published: Wiley 2021
• Subjects: SH Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/28059/

This work aims to develop a suitable aquaculture system to solve issues pertaining to water quality in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) thereby improving fish growth performance and their feed conversion ratio (FCR). It is known that the efficiency of nutrient decomposition depends on the amount and species of bacteria present in the filter, and these can in turn be regulated by the pH. Our study shows that the significant increase in pH from 7.45 to 7.51 and 7.47 is achieved after the water was filtered through sawdust and wood wool respectively. At the same time, nitrite concentrations were found to have significantly decreased from 0.06 ppm in the control to 0.01 ppm in the sawdust treatment. Changes in the physical-chemical properties of treated water affect the biological properties of the organisms. It was found that the average final body weight for fish in the wood wool treatment 30.96 g and fish in the sawdust treatment 31.44 g was significantly higher compared to that for the fish in the control treatment 28.42 g. The use of sponge, wood wool or sawdust resulted in significantly lower FCR and therefore better fish productivity in RAS. At the same time, the red blood cell count, plasma urea, plasma creatinine, plasma albumin, and GOT and GPT were significantly higher in fish in the plastic, sponge, wood wool or sawdust treatment compared to the control treatment. In summary, this study demonstrates the benefits of using sponge, wood, wool and sawdust as biofilter media for aquaculture.